After years of draft picks that did not pan out, Oakland Raiders fans held their collective breath when commissioner Roger Goodell walked to the podium with the fifth pick. When Goodell announced that the Raiders selected outside linebacker Khalil Mack from Buffalo, a new sense of optimism spread throughout the Raider nation.
At 6’3’ and 251 lbs, many draft insiders had Khalil Mack on the top of their draft charts; even over Jadaveon Clowney who went number one overall. At the NFL combine, Mack posted some outrageous numbers running a 4.6 40-yard dash, and a 40-inch vertical leap.
Mack was a three-time first team All-Mac selection, and a Butkus award finalist in 2013. He was a four-year starter and captain of the defense.
Mack has been described as having tremendous football instincts, and can disrupt the line of scrimmage with his pass-rush ability. Mack is a “big hitter,” he’s explosive off the snap and has been known to create havoc for any offense that he faces.
Mack will be an instant improvement along the defensive line for the Raiders, and has given new hope to the Raider Nation.
Photo: Adam Hunter, USA Today